Loving Hand Doulas
Professional childbirth support

Why have a Doula?

There are many reasons to hire a doula for your birth...

• Doulas help you and your partner in the way that you would prefer to be helped.  They know you personally and know your preferences, likes and dislikes.
• A Doula can be with you continuously – she has no other patients, no shift changes.
• A better emotional experience - Doulas recognize that childbirth is a key life experience that the mother and father will remember forever
• Having a Doula present is like taking your childbirth instructor to the birth with you.  She can help you remember and apply what you learned during childbirth classes to the unexpected events of labor.
• A Doula is present in addition to, not in place of the partner.  Your Doula can be the one who brings food, beverages, and blankets ect. to your partner so that they would not have to leave your side.

Scientific Research studies show having a Doula present is benefical…

• According to Hodnett et al. 2003    Women cared for during labor by a Birth Doula, compared to those receiving “usual care” were:
• 26% less likely to give birth by cesarean section
• 41% less likely to give birth with a vacuum extractor or forceps
• 28% less likely to use any analgesia or anesthesia (pain medication)
• 33% less likely to be dissatisfied or to negatively rate their birth experience.
  
  
• In the Doula Book by Kennell, Klaus et al 1986 the authors summarize several research studies that found women who have a Doula:
  • on average have shorter labors than those who don’t
  • have increased rates of breastfeeding
  • have fewer problems with breastfeeding
  • experience less postpartum depression
  • report feeling greater satisfaction with birth experience
  • experience better bonding between mother and infant   
  • have Dads/partners who are more involved.

 

 

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